Marks & Spencer (M&S) is making a significant push into the large standalone food store segment, announcing plans to open 12 new sites primarily on former Homebase locations. This initiative is expected to create around 550 new jobs, demonstrating the retailer’s commitment to growth and community investment.
Eight of these stores are slated to open by July 2026, marking the first phase of a broader ambition to reach a portfolio of 420 larger food stores by the 2027/28 fiscal year. M&S’s strategy reflects a shift toward expanding its food retail footprint, capitalising on consumer trends favouring high-quality food offerings and convenient shopping experiences.
The repurposing of former DIY retail sites indicates M&S’s pragmatic approach to securing prime retail real estate amid challenging commercial property markets. Analysts suggest that the move could enable M&S to diversify its store formats and tap into different customer segments.
Success will hinge on the retailer’s ability to deliver consistent product quality and competitive pricing while managing operational complexities across an expanded network.